Aqib Talib and Michael Crabtree both suspended 2 games

The NFL has suspended Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib and Oakland Raiders receiver Michael Crabtree for two games each after the two players were ejected and penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct and unnecessary roughness in Week 12.

NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyon issued the suspensions, the league announced in a statement. Runyon sent the following letter to Crabtree:

The series of flagrant violations for which you are being disciplined began with 12:31 remaining in the first quarter – less than three minutes into the game. First, you punched a Broncos opponent Chris Harris in the midsection, resulting in him being removed from the game. Then, on the subsequent play, you blocked a different Broncos opponent (Aqib Talib) into the sidelines beyond the yellow media border, well after the play was over. Your actions triggered a melee and endangered various sideline and League personnel, including one of our Game Officials who was injured trying to maintain control of the situation. Finally, during the ensuing altercation, you grabbed and twisted that same opponent’s facemask and threw a punch at him…Such actions have no place in this game, engender ill will between teams, and lead to further confrontations.

And Runyon wrote this to Talib:

The series of flagrant violations for which you are being disciplined began less than three minutes into the game. First, while competing on the field of play, you deliberately ripped your opponent’s chain from his neck just as you did last year when you played against him. Then, when the two of you went to the ground after a subsequent play, you aggressively removed his helmet and threw it in his direction, endangering him and various sideline personnel in the near vicinity. Finally, once you were momentarily separated from your opponent, you again engaged him and threw a punch…Such actions have no place in this game, engender ill will between teams, and lead to further confrontations.

Both Talib and Crabtree plan to appeal their suspensions. Broncos coach Vance Joseph said Monday that Talib will not face any additional discipline from the team.

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